Thus, a procedure was designed for the management of ecotourism, with 5 stages: preparation; diagnosis; the definition of key factors; the objectives and actions and the evaluation and monitoring, which are fed back.

Ecotourism is generally categorized into four progressive stages of development: exploration, involvement, development, and consolidation. The Exploration Stage involves a few adventurous "pioneer" travelers visiting a pristine natural area with minimal infrastructure. The Involvement Stage occurs when local communities begin to provide basic services like guiding and small-scale lodging. In the Development Stage, more formal tourism infrastructure is built, and the destination is marketed to a broader audience; this is the most critical stage where environmental safeguards must be strictly implemented to prevent "greenwashing." Finally, the Consolidation Stage (or Mature Stage) is where the destination reaches a stable number of visitors, and the focus shifts entirely to long-term sustainability, conservation of biodiversity, and ensuring that the economic benefits directly support the local indigenous populations. In 2026, a fifth stage—Regenerative Tourism—is often cited, where the goal is not just to "do no harm," but to actively improve and restore the ecosystem through the presence of tourists and their associated funding.